JP2008243590A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device capable of suppressing (preventing) freezing of a water supply pipe or a water treatment device. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell device includes a fuel cell 1; a reformer 4 for conducting steam-reforming to produce reformed gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 1; a water supply pipe 5 for supplying water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4; a feed valve 6 installed in the water supply pipe 5 for controlling the amount of water supplied to the reformer 4; and the water treatment device for treating water to be supplied to the reformer 4, and the feed valve 6, the water treatment device and the reformer 4 are connected in order with the water supply pipe 5, and a water tank 10 for temporarily storing water treated with the water treatment device is installed. Since a water temperature sensor 19 is installed at the position of the water supply pump 5 on the upstream side than feed valve 6, where is in the vicinity of the feed valve 6, freezing of the water supply pump 5 or the water treatment device can appropriately be suppressed (prevented) and power generation of the fuel cell can efficiently be conducted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device that generates power using a reformed gas generated by steam reforming.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a fuel cell capable of obtaining electric power using hydrogen gas and an oxygen-containing gas (usually air) and auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell are provided in an outer case. Various fuel cell devices that are housed and their operating methods have been proposed. Further, a cogeneration system has been proposed in which a fuel cell device and a hot water storage tank for storing hot water are combined, and heat is exchanged between the water in the hot water storage tank and the heat of exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell (see, for example, Patent Document 1) ).

  One of the methods for generating fuel gas (hydrogen gas) necessary for power generation of the fuel cell is a steam reforming method. A fuel cell device using this steam reforming generally generates fuel gas. A water treatment device for generating reformer, tap water, etc. to produce pure water, a water tank for temporarily storing the treated water, and a water supply for supplying water such as tap water to the reformer A pipe, a water supply valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the water supply pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat of the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and water.

  When heat exchange is performed between the heat of the exhaust gas generated by power generation of the fuel cell and water, the water contained in the exhaust gas is generated as condensed water, and this condensed water is used again for steam reforming and effectively used. (For example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Further, in such a fuel cell device, in a season where the temperature is low, such as in winter, there is a possibility that water in the water supply pipe for supplying water to the reformer and the water in the water treatment device may freeze. In order to suppress (prevent) freezing, for example, when the outside air temperature falls below a certain temperature, a method of supplying water to the water supply line to prevent freezing (see, for example, Patent Document 3), a water supply pipe, etc. There is proposed a method of heating the substrate with a heater (for example, see Patent Document 4).
JP 2006-179386 A JP 2001-176535 A JP 2004-207093 A JP 2003-86213 A

  However, as in Patent Document 3, in the method of supplying water to the water supply line when the outside air temperature falls below a certain temperature, the water supply is continued in an area where the outside air temperature is below the certain temperature. Water was supplied to the line, and there was a problem that the life of the water treatment device and the like was shortened. Furthermore, even though the temperature of the water supply line is low, the water supply line is continuously supplied, and there is a problem that the life of the water treatment device or the like is shortened.

  Further, as in Patent Document 4, when the water supply pipe is heated by a heater, there may be a case where a plurality of heaters are installed or a large heater is required, leading to an increase in cost. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device that can suppress (prevent) freezing of a water supply pipe and the like at a low cost in a season where the temperature is low such as winter.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention has a fuel cell, a reformer that performs steam reforming to generate reformed gas supplied to the fuel cell, and water supplied from the outside to the reformer. A water supply pipe for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the reformer provided in the middle of the water supply pipe, and a water treatment device for treating the water supplied to the reformer The water supply valve, the water treatment device and the reformer are sequentially connected by the water supply pipe, and a water tank for temporarily storing the water treated by the water treatment device. A fuel cell device having a water temperature sensor in the water supply pipe upstream of the water supply valve and in the vicinity of the water supply valve.

  In such a fuel cell device, since the water temperature sensor is provided in the water supply pipe upstream of the water supply valve and in the vicinity of the water supply valve, the water (such as tap water) supplied from the outside to the water supply pipe The water temperature before being supplied to the reformer can be measured by measuring the water temperature of the water in the water supply pipe near the water supply valve. Here, there is a temperature difference between the water temperature in the water supply pipe and the outside air temperature, and the temperature of the water in the water supply pipe can be accurately measured by the water temperature sensor. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the water in the water supply pipe may freeze.

  In addition, when the water supply valve is closed, the temperature of water staying in the water supply pipe connecting the outside (water supply etc.) and the water supply valve is more likely to drop in the low temperature season such as winter, The water supply pipe on the upstream side of the water supply valve, that is, the water supply pipe connecting the outside (water supply etc.) and the water supply valve, and having a water temperature sensor in the vicinity of the water supply valve makes it particularly freezing in the water supply pipe. It is possible to measure the water temperature of water that easily occurs.

  In addition, the fuel cell device of the present invention preferably has a reflux pipe for supplying water stored in the water tank to the water supply pipe connecting the water supply valve and the water treatment apparatus.

  In such a fuel cell device, when water in the water supply pipe is likely to freeze, such as in winter, the water stored in the water tank is connected to the water supply valve and the water treatment device by the return pipe. Can be supplied (refluxed) to the water supply pipe.

  Thereby, it is possible to suppress (prevent) freezing of water supply pipes, water treatment devices, etc., and to reduce the amount of water supplied from the outside (water supply etc.) when suppressing (preventing) freezing. . Therefore, an efficient fuel cell device can be obtained.

  The fuel cell device according to the present invention includes a heat exchanger in which the water treatment device includes a plurality of water treatment means, and performs heat exchange between exhaust gas from the fuel cell and water flowing therein, and the heat exchanger. A condensed water supply pipe for supplying the condensed water generated in step 1 to the water supply pipe or the water tank connecting the water treatment means, and supplying the condensed water to the condensed water supply pipe. A branch pipe for supplying to the water supply pipe connecting the valve and the water treatment device is provided, and at least one of the condensed water supply pipe and the branch pipe is adjusted with a flow rate of the condensed water flowing in the pipe It is preferable that a condensate regulating valve is provided.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water generated by exchanging heat between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and the water circulating inside is supplied to a water supply pipe or a water tank connecting the water treatment means. Thus, water (condensed water) can be used effectively.

  Further, by supplying condensed water to the branch pipe provided in the condensed water supply pipe, it is possible to supply condensed water to the water supply pipe connecting the water supply valve and the water treatment device. Freezing can be suppressed.

  Here, the temperature of the condensed water generated by heat exchange is low, but is often higher than the temperature of tap water or the like. Therefore, freezing of the water supply pipe or the like can be further suppressed by supplying condensed water that is warmer than tap water or the like to the water supply pipe or the like.

  Further, the fuel cell device of the present invention preferably has a water supply valve control unit that performs control to open the water supply valve and supply water when the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. .

  In such a fuel cell device, when the water temperature in the water supply pipe measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the water supply valve control unit opens the water supply valve and supplies water to the water supply pipe. Control to supply. Thereby, when there is a possibility that the water supply pipe or the like may be frozen, it is possible to prevent the water supply pipe or the like from freezing by causing the water temperature to flow through the water supply pipe to increase the water temperature of the water in the water supply pipe. Therefore, freezing of the water supply pipe and the like can be easily suppressed in a season where the temperature is low such as winter.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the return pipe has a return pipe valve for controlling the water supplied from the water tank, and the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. It is preferable to have a reflux pipe valve control unit that performs control to open the reflux pipe valve and supply water.

  In such a fuel cell device, the reflux pipe valve control unit connects the water supply valve and the water treatment device when the water temperature in the water supply pipe measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. A reflux pipe valve provided in the reflux pipe is controlled to supply water from the water tank to the water supply pipe.

  As a result, when the water temperature in the water supply pipe falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the water stored in the water tank can be controlled by opening the reflux pipe valve so that the water stored in the water tank can be The water supply pipes and water treatment devices can be controlled (prevented) from freezing, and the water supplied from the outside (waterworks, etc.) can be used to control (prevent) freezing. The amount can be reduced. Therefore, an efficient fuel cell device can be obtained.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, when the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the condensed water control valve controls the condensed water to flow through the branch pipe. It is preferable to have a control unit.

  In such a fuel cell device, when the water temperature in the water supply pipe measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the condensed water control unit connects the water supply valve and the water treatment device. A condensate adjustment valve provided in the condensate supply pipe is controlled so that the condensate generated in the heat exchanger flows through the supply pipe. That is, the condensed water adjustment valve is controlled so that the condensed water flows through the branch pipe.

  As a result, condensed water having a temperature higher than that of tap water or the like is supplied to the water supply pipe connecting the water supply valve and the water treatment device, so that water flows in the water supply pipe and the water supply pipe etc. is frozen. Can be further suppressed.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention is a fuel cell device that performs steam reforming, and includes a water supply pipe for flowing water supplied from the outside to the reformer, and a water supply valve provided in the middle of the water supply pipe. By providing a water temperature sensor upstream and near the water supply valve of the water supply pipe, it is possible to accurately determine whether the water in the water supply pipe may freeze. In that case, freezing of the water supply pipe can be suppressed (prevented) by flowing water through the water supply pipe by opening a water supply valve or the like.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fuel cell device of the present invention. The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a power generation unit that generates power, a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units.

  The fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a fuel cell 1, a reformed gas supply means 2 that supplies a gas to be reformed such as natural gas and kerosene, and an oxygen-containing gas supply for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell 1. Means 3 and a reformer 4 for steam reforming with fuel gas and steam are provided.

  Here, the water supply means X which is means for supplying pure water to the reformer 4 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 5 and the water supply pipe 5 for flowing water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4. A water supply valve 6 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the reformer 4 and a water treatment device for processing the water supplied to the reformer 4 are provided. Furthermore, as the water treatment device, activated carbon filter device 7 for purifying water, reverse osmosis membrane device 8 (hereinafter referred to as RO membrane device) for further purifying water purified by activated carbon filter device 7, purification Each of the water treatment means of the ion exchange resin device 9 for making the purified water pure water is provided, and the water supply valve 6, the water treatment device and the reformer 4 are connected in this order by the water supply pipe 5. Yes. In the following description, the term “water treatment apparatus” includes all the water treatment means, and each water treatment means will be described with its name. A water tank 10 for temporarily storing water (pure water) treated by the ion exchange resin device 9 is disposed between the water treatment device (ion exchange resin device 9) and the reformer 4. . In FIG. 1, the water tank 10 is disposed between the ion exchange resin 9 and the reformer 4, but may be disposed, for example, between the RO membrane device 8 and the ion exchange resin device 9.

  The fuel cell 1, the reformed gas supply device 2, the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3, the reformer 4, and the water supply means X constitute a main power generation unit.

  Further, in addition to the main power generation unit described above, a power conditioner 12 for switching the DC power generated by the fuel cell 1 to AC power and supplying it to an external load, exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 Heat exchanger 13 for exchanging heat with water, outlet water temperature sensor 15 for measuring the temperature of water (circulated water flow) provided at the outlet of heat exchanger 13 and flowing through the outlet of heat exchanger 13, and circulating water The power generation unit is constituted by the circulation pump 16 for controlling the operation and the control device 14 for controlling the operation of the circulation pump 16.

  The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 18 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Furthermore, a circulation pipe 17 for circulating water between the heat exchanger 13 and the hot water storage tank 18 is provided, and the fuel cell device is configured by combining the power generation unit, the hot water storage unit, and the circulation pipe 17.

  In addition, the arrow in a figure shows the flow direction of fuel gas, oxygen-containing gas, and water, and a broken line shows the main signal path | route transmitted to the control apparatus 14, or the main signal transmitted from the control apparatus 14. Signal paths are shown. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and so on. Further, although not shown, a to-be-reformed gas humidifier for humidifying the to-be-reformed gas may be provided between the to-be-reformed gas supply means 2 and the reformer 4.

  Various fuel cells are known as the fuel cell 1, but a solid oxide fuel cell can be used to reduce the size of the fuel cell. Thereby, in addition to the fuel cell, auxiliary machinery necessary for the operation of the fuel cell can be reduced in size, and the fuel cell device can be reduced in size. At the same time, it is possible to perform a load following operation that follows a fluctuating load required for a household fuel cell.

  Here, the operation method of the fuel cell apparatus of the present invention will be described using the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG.

  Water (pure water) used in the reformer 4 for obtaining the reformed gas (fuel gas) used for power generation of the fuel cell 1 is supplied from the outside to the water supply pipe 5 and then the water supply valve 6 The activated carbon filter device 7 is supplied with water through the water supply pipe 5. The water treated by the activated carbon filter device 7 is subsequently supplied to the RO membrane device 8. The water treated by the RO membrane device 8 is subsequently supplied to the ion exchange resin device 9 to generate pure water. The generated pure water is temporarily stored in the water tank 10 and supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11 according to the amount of water required by the reformer 4.

  In the reformer 4, steam reforming is performed using pure water supplied from the water pump 11 and the gas to be reformed supplied from the gas to be reformed supply means 2. The reformed gas (fuel gas) generated in the reformer 4 is supplied to the fuel cell 1 and reacts with the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 to generate power in the fuel cell 1. It is. The electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is supplied to an external load through the power conditioner 12.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is mainly used to increase or maintain the temperature of the fuel cell 1 and then supplied from the fuel cell 1 to the heat exchanger 13 to the outside. Released.

  The exhaust gas supplied to the heat exchanger 13 is heat-exchanged with water circulating (circulating) in the heat exchanger 13. The heat-exchanged water (hot water) is circulated through the circulation pipe 17 and stored in the hot water storage tank 18. And the exhaust gas after heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger 13 is exhausted outside the fuel cell apparatus.

  Here, in a cold time such as winter, for example, the water supply pipe 5 or the water treatment apparatus may be frozen, which may cause damage to the water supply pipe 5 or damage / failure of the water treatment apparatus. . Furthermore, when the water supply pipe 5 or the water treatment device freezes, it becomes impossible to supply water to the reformer 4, which may cause a failure of the reformer 4 or the fuel cell 1. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress (prevent) freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment apparatus.

  Here, in FIG. 1, water is supplied to the water supply pipe 5 upstream of the water supply valve 6 provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 5 for supplying water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4. A water temperature sensor 19 is provided in the vicinity of the valve 6, that is, in the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply or the like and the water supply valve 6, and in the vicinity of the water supply valve 6.

  In accordance with the power generation of the fuel cell 1, the water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11. Here, the water tank 10 has a predetermined range of water storage amount, and when the water storage amount falls below a certain range, the water supply valve 6 is opened, and water flowing through the water supply valve 6 is supplied to each water treatment device. After the treatment, the water is stored in the water tank 10. When the amount of stored water reaches a certain range, the water supply valve 6 is closed and the supply of water to the water tank 10 is stopped. Therefore, while the water supply valve 6 is closed, the flow of water stops in the water supply pipe 5, and water stays in the water supply pipe 5.

  Here, particularly in winter when the outside air temperature is low, the flow of water in the water supply pipe 5 stops while the water supply valve 6 is closed, so that the water supply pipe 5 (water in the water supply pipe 5) There is a risk of freezing or freezing of each water treatment device.

  Here, it is conceivable to control the opening and closing of the water supply valve 6 in accordance with the outside air temperature. However, in the case where the outside air temperature continuously falls below a certain temperature when performing the control in accordance with the outside air temperature, Water will be continuously supplied to the water supply pipe 5, and the life of the water treatment apparatus or the like may be shortened. Moreover, since there is a temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the water temperature of the water in the water supply pipe 5, even when the temperature of the water supply pipe 5 is low, the water is continuously supplied to the water supply pipe 5. There was also a problem that the life of the water treatment device was shortened (deterioration was accelerated). Further, the water treated by each water treatment device is stored in the water tank 10, and in this case, when the predetermined amount of water stored in the water tank 10 is exceeded, the water exceeding the predetermined amount is stored in the water tank 10. Since it was drained, there was also a problem that efficiency decreased.

  Therefore, in the present invention, water is supplied to the water supply pipe 5 upstream of the water supply valve 6 provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 5 for supplying water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4. By providing a water temperature sensor 19 in the vicinity of the valve 6, that is, in the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply or the like and the water supply valve 6 and in the vicinity of the water supply valve 6, The water temperature of water etc.) can be measured, and it is possible to accurately determine the possibility that the water supply pipe 5 will freeze.

  In particular, in cold seasons such as winter, the temperature of the water staying in the water supply pipe 5 connecting the water supply or the like and the water supply valve 6 is likely to be lowered, and the water supply in the water supply pipe 5 is likely to be frozen. Since the pipe 5 is provided, it is useful to provide the water temperature sensor 19 at this position.

  Furthermore, when the water temperature in the water supply pipe 5 measured by the water temperature sensor 19 falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the water supply valve control unit performs control for opening the water supply valve 6 and flowing water through the water supply pipe 5. By comprising 14, it can suppress (prevent) that the water supply pipe | tube 5 and each water treatment apparatus freeze.

  Here, the case where the water temperature in the water supply pipe 5 is lower than the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time differs depending on the size and shape of the fuel cell device, but for example, the state where the water temperature is 4 ° C. or lower continues for 5 to 10 minutes or longer. Can be set as appropriate, and can be changed as appropriate.

  That is, the water temperature sensor 19 monitors the water temperature of the water in the water supply pipe 5 that connects the outside and the water supply valve 6, and transmits the water temperature to the water supply valve control unit 14. The water supply valve control unit 14 transmits a signal for opening the water supply valve 6 when the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 19 falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. Thereby, when the water in the water supply pipe 5 flows, the temperature of the water flowing in the water supply pipe 5 rises, and the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment device can be appropriately suppressed (prevented), The life of the water treatment device can be extended.

  The water supply valve control unit 14 may be installed as a control unit that controls only the opening and closing of the water supply valve 6, but in order to reduce the size of the fuel cell device, the control unit having various control functions opens and closes the water supply valve 6. It is preferable to use a control device having a control unit for controlling the control. The same applies to each control unit described below, and means a control device having each control unit. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the control units.

  Further, when the water temperature in the water supply pipe 5 measured by the water temperature sensor 19 falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the water supply valve 6 is opened. After the water supply valve 6 is opened, the water supply measured by the water temperature sensor 19 is opened. It is preferable to perform control to close the water supply valve 6 when the water temperature in the pipe 5 exceeds a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. Thereby, the water supply valve 6 can be opened and closed appropriately, and freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment device can be suppressed (prevented) more efficiently.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a fuel cell device provided with a return pipe 22 for returning the water stored in the water tank 10 to the water supply pipe 5 connecting the water supply valve 6 and the activated carbon filter device 7. It is.

  For example, when there is a possibility that the water supply pipe 5 or the water treatment apparatus is frozen like in winter, the water supply pipe 5 or the water treatment apparatus is frozen by opening the water supply valve 6 and flowing water through the water supply pipe 5. However, when the amount of water stored in the water tank 10 is full, when the water supply valve 6 is opened and water is supplied to the water supply pipe 5 for the purpose of suppressing freezing, the water is treated with each water treatment. After being processed by the apparatus, the water tank 10 may be drained as it is. In other words, there is a case where the water treated by the water treatment device is not supplied to the reformer 4 and is drained as it is.

  Therefore, in FIG. 2, a reflux pipe 22 is provided for returning the water stored in the water tank 10 to the water supply pipe 5 connecting the water supply valve 6 and the activated carbon filter device 7. As a result, the water stored in the water tank 10 is used to suppress (prevent) freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment apparatus, thereby preventing (preventing) freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment apparatus and the like. ), The amount of water supplied from the outside (water supply etc.) can be reduced, and the fuel cell device can be operated more efficiently.

  It is most preferable that one end of the reflux pipe 22 is connected to the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply valve 6 and the activated carbon filter device 7, but the other one is connected to the water supply pipe 5 that connects each water treatment device. It can also be connected. In FIG. 2, the reflux pipe 22 is provided with a reflux pipe valve 20 in order to control the amount of water supplied from the water tank 10 to the water supply pipe 5.

  Here, a means for returning the water stored in the water tank 10 to the water supply pipe 5 by the reflux pipe 22 will be described. The water temperature sensor 19 monitors the water temperature of the water in the water supply pipe 5 that connects the outside (water supply etc.) and the water supply valve 6 and transmits the water temperature to the reflux pipe valve control unit 14. When the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 19 falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the recirculation pipe valve control unit 14 supplies the water stored in the water tank 10 to the recirculation pipe valve 20 disposed in the recirculation pipe 22. A signal for opening the reflux pipe valve 20 is transmitted so as to return to the supply pipe 5. Thereby, when water flows in the water supply pipe 5, it is possible to appropriately suppress (prevent) that the water temperature in the water supply pipe 5 rises and the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment device freeze. The life of the processing apparatus can be extended.

  In addition, the reflux pipe valve control unit 14 opens the reflux pipe valve 20 and controls the water supply pipe 5 to return the water in the water tank 10, but when a predetermined time elapses after the water in the water tank 10 is refluxed. It is preferable to perform control to close the reflux pipe valve 20. Thereby, the reflux pipe valve 20 can be opened and closed appropriately, the shortage of water in the water tank 10 can be suppressed, and freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment apparatus can be suppressed (prevented) more efficiently. .

  In such a configuration, the water supply valve 6 can suppress (prevent) freezing by, for example, heating the valve with a heater or opening / closing the water supply valve 6 in conjunction with opening / closing of the reflux pipe valve 20. it can.

  In FIG. 2, the condensed water generated when heat is exchanged between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 and water is caused to flow to the water supply pipe 5 that connects the RO membrane device 8 and the ion exchange resin device 9. This shows an example in which a condensed water supply pipe 21 is provided.

  Here, the condensed water produced by exchanging heat between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 and the water circulating in the heat exchanger 13 has a water quality equivalent to the water treated by the RO membrane device 8, By connecting to the water supply pipe 5 that connects the RO membrane device 8 and the ion exchange resin device 9, the condensed water can be efficiently reused. In addition, since this condensed water is water generated when heat is exchanged in the heat exchanger 13, the temperature of the condensed water is lower than that of tap water or the like in many cases, but the water stored in the water tank 10 is low. The temperature of the water becomes higher than at least tap water (at least the same temperature or more), and it is possible to appropriately suppress (prevent) freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment device more efficiently, thereby extending the life of the water treatment device. be able to.

  In FIG. 3, the condensed water supply pipe 21 is provided with a branch pipe 24 connected to the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply valve 6 and the activated carbon filter device 7, and the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the branch pipe 24. 1 shows an example of a fuel cell device in which a condensate adjustment valve 23 for adjusting the flow rate of the condensate flowing through at least one of the condensate supply pipe 21 and the branch pipe 24 is provided at the branch portion.

  In such a fuel cell device, by controlling the condensed water regulating valve 23, the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 13 is supplied to the water supply pipe 5 that connects the RO membrane device 8 and the ion exchange resin device 9. Condensed water can be supplied to the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply valve 6 and the activated carbon filter device 7 by supplying the water to the branch pipe 22. Thereby, freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment apparatus can be suppressed (prevented).

  Here, as described above, since the condensed water is often higher in temperature than tap water or the like, it is possible to more effectively suppress (prevent) freezing of the water supply pipe 5 and the water treatment device. The lifetime can be extended.

  The condensate adjustment valve 23 can be provided at a branch portion of the condensate supply pipe 21 and the branch pipe 24 or at least one of the condensate supply pipe 21 and the branch pipe 24. For example, an electromagnetic valve, a three-way valve, an air A driving valve or the like can be used.

  Here, means for supplying condensed water from the branch pipe 24 to the water supply pipe 5 will be described. The water temperature sensor 19 monitors the water temperature of the water in the water supply pipe 5 connecting the water supply or the like and the water supply valve 6, and transmits the water temperature to the condensed water control unit 14. The condensed water control unit 14 controls the condensed water adjustment valve 23 so that the condensed water flowing through the condensed water supply pipe 21 flows to the branch pipe 24 when the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 19 falls below the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. To do. At this time, the entire amount of condensed water flowing through the condensed water supply pipe 21 may be controlled to flow into the branch pipe 24, and a part of the condensed water flowing through the condensed water supply pipe 21 may flow into the branch pipe 24. You may control. Thereby, condensate warmer than tap water or the like flows through the water supply pipe 5, so that freezing of the water supply pipe 5 or the water treatment device can be suppressed (prevented) more efficiently. The case where the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time can be set in the same manner as described above.

  In such a configuration, the water supply valve 6 can suppress (prevent) freezing by, for example, heating the valve with a heater or opening and closing the water supply valve 6 together with the condensate adjustment valve 23. .

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, one end of the branch pipe 24 can be connected to the water supply pipe 5 between the water temperature sensor 19 and the water supply valve 6. In this case, based on the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 19, when the water supply valve 6 is opened, the condensed water is caused to flow through the branch pipe 24, thereby effectively suppressing freezing of the water supply valve 6 and the water supply pipe 5. (Prevent).

  Further, the water temperature sensor 19 is arranged in the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply or the like and the water supply valve 6, but it can also be arranged in the water supply pipe 5 that connects the water supply valve 6 and the activated carbon filter device 7, for example. is there. In this case, one end of the reflux pipe 22 and the branch pipe 24 is preferably connected between the water supply valve 6 and the water temperature sensor 19.

  Further, as the water supply means, the activated carbon filter device 7, the RO membrane device 8, the ion exchange resin device 9, and the water tank 10 are arranged in this order. For example, the order is the activated carbon filter device 7, the RO membrane device 8, and the water tank 10. The ion exchange resin device 9 can also be used. In this case, it is preferable to connect one end of the condensed water supply pipe 21 to the water tank 10.

  Further, in the present invention, as the external water supplied to the water supply pipe 5, the description has been mainly made of tap water supplied from the water supply, but the water supplied from the outside is limited to the water supply. Instead, other water (such as water stored in a water storage tank) may be used as long as it can stably supply a certain amount of water to the water supply pipe 5.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the other structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which provided the recirculation | reflux pipe | tube which circulates the water of a water tank to a water supply pipe | tube. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the further another structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which supplies the condensed water produced when heat-exchanging the exhaust gas of a fuel cell to a water supply pipe by a branch pipe.

Explanation of symbols

1: Fuel cell 2: Fuel supply device 3: Oxygen-containing gas supply device 4: Reformer 5: Water supply pipe 6: Water supply valve 7: Activated carbon filter device 8: RO membrane device 9: Ion exchange resin device 10: Water tank 11: Water pump 13: Heat exchanger 14: Controller 19: Water temperature sensor 20: Reflux pump 21: Condensate supply pipe 22: Reflux pipe 23: Condensate adjustment valve 24: Branch pipe

Claims (6)

A fuel cell, a reformer that performs steam reforming to generate reformed gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, a water supply pipe for flowing water supplied from the outside to the reformer, and A water supply valve provided in the middle of a water supply pipe for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the reformer; and a water treatment device for processing water supplied to the reformer, the water supply valve The water treatment device and the reformer are sequentially connected by the water supply pipe and have a water tank for temporarily storing water treated by the water treatment device, A fuel cell device comprising a water temperature sensor in the water supply pipe upstream of the water supply valve and in the vicinity of the water supply valve. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflux pipe for supplying water stored in the water tank to the water supply pipe connecting the water supply valve and the water treatment device. The water treatment device is composed of a plurality of water treatment means, heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the exhaust gas from the fuel cell and water flowing inside, and the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger A condensate water supply pipe for supplying the water supply pipe or the water tank for connecting means to each other, and connecting the condensed water to the water supply valve and the water treatment device to the condensate water supply pipe A branch pipe for supplying the water supply pipe is provided, and at least one of the condensed water supply pipe and the branch pipe is provided with a condensed water adjustment valve for adjusting a flow rate of the condensed water flowing in the pipe. The fuel cell device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply valve control unit that performs control to open the water supply valve and supply water when a water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. apparatus. The reflux pipe has a reflux pipe valve for controlling the water supplied from the water tank, and when the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the reflux pipe valve is opened to supply water. The fuel cell device according to claim 2, further comprising a reflux pipe valve control unit that performs supply control. The condensed water control unit that controls the condensed water regulating valve to flow the condensed water through the branch pipe when the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. Item 4. The fuel cell device according to Item 3.

Images